CLINICAL CHEMISTRY ANALYZERS continued
instruments include barcode handling and data management software. Often, analyzers can be linked to your existing LIMS.
The ADVIA® 1800 Clinical Chemistry System from Siemens (Tarrytown, NY; www.
healthcare.siemens.com) has a Windows XP® operating computer with 1 GB RAM and data storage for 70,000 patient tests. Routine maintenance activities are scheduled and monitored by the software.
Figure 2 – The automated Dimension RxL Max integrated chemistry system from Siemens has the ability to run up to 91 methods onboard concurrently. (Image used with permission of Siemens.)
manual hemolyzing step in HbA1c measure- ment. These features reduce the risk of errors and save operator time.
Data management Low-throughput machines display results on screen or may have an onboard printer. Priorities will be ease of use and clarity of controls. The EasyRA® analyzer from Medica (Bedford, MA;
www.medicacorp.com) uses four color- coded icons to guide the technician through all analyzer functions.
For large laboratories where throughput can be hundreds to thousands of tests per hour,
Operating costs It is important to consider the operating costs
alongside the capital cost. The cost of reagents and the guaranteed instrument lifetime vary between manufacturers. A more expensive machine may prove more cost-effective over its operating lifetime.
Consider also the maintenance schedule and time required for recalibration, both in terms of financial cost and downtime.
Footprint and portability Most clinical chemistry analyzers are designed
for benchtop use. Smaller models with limited test menus are available for bedside use, while comprehensive high-throughput systems will require floor space.
Bedside analyzers emphasize lightness, com- pactness, and portability. The StatProfile pHOx analyzer from Nova Biomedical performs
Table 2 – Manufacturers of clinical chemistry analyzers Abbott Diagnostics Beckman Coulter Bio-Rad
Carolina Liquid Chemistries DiaSys Diagnostic Systems Horiba Medica
Nova Biomedical
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Randox Laboratories Roche Diagnostics
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Thermo Fisher Scientific
basic blood gas tests. It measures 12” × 12” × 15”, weighs under 20 lb, and fits on a cart, but carries enough reagents for 7500 tests.
In contrast, the Dimension™ RxL Max™ Inte- grated Chemistry System from Siemens offers full disease-state profiling with 91 methods (see Figure 2).
It is a floor-based unit that
measures 62.5” (159 cm) × 44” (112 cm) × 32” (81 cm) and weighs 880 lb.
Micro volume samples Blood conservation is important in every clinical setting, especially in neonatal units. Working with micro volumes also reduces the volume of reagent required for each test, reducing costs.
The 2400 analyzer from Siemens accepts sample volumes of 2–30 µL. The system uses an average of 2–3 µL per test with an average reagent volume of 80–120 µL per test.
Clinical chemistry analyzer
manufacturers A list of clinical chemistry analyzer manufac- turers is given in Table 2. For more information, please visit
www.labcompare.com.
Katriona Scoffin,
B.Sc., is a freelance science writer; e-mail:
articles@scoffin.co.uk.
Abbott Park, IL Fullerton, CA Hercules, CA
Winston-Salem, NC Holzheim, Germany Irvine, CA
Bedford, MA Waltham, MA Raritan, NJ
Kearneysville, WV Indianapolis, IN Tarrytown, NY Asheville, NC
AMERICAN LABORATORY • 22 • JUNE/JULY 2013
www.abbott.com
www.beckmancoulter.com www.bio-rad.com
www.carolinachemistries.com www.diasys-diagnostics.com www.horiba.com
www.medicacorp.com
www.novabiomedical.com www.orthoclinical.com www.randox.com www.rocheusa.com
www.healthcare.siemens.com www.thermoscientific.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46